Past News Releases

Feature Film Producer Jack Binder (Reign Over Me, The Upside of Anger) today confirmed his deal to Produce the science fiction adventure film, Gaea: Beyond the Son via his Greentrees Films banner. The motion picture focuses on a father separated from his son through war, over thirty years and across two solar systems. "The Gaea Universe is a richly textured world of human relationships, futuristic space travel and exploration. The story's strength lies in its endearing characters and wonderful settings," said Binder.

Conceived and developed during the past three years by Australian Executive Producer David Lagettie and US/Oz writing duo Didi & Phil Gilson, Gaea: Beyond the Son is the initial installment of a trilogy. “At its core, Gaea is a universal story with sometimes flawed but noble characters,” said Lagettie. “Set in 2049-79 the film’s themes of family, space colonization and the dire consequences of climate change will engage a global audience. Dwindling natural resources and the lingering threat of nuclear war are backdrops of both hope and despair for mankind."

It was the human and social elements that first attracted Binder to the project, combined with engaging characters, suspense and stunning action sequences. "I was blown away by the visual worlds that the Gaea team created and how well the human and sci-fi action integrates," stated Binder. " I am thrilled to be a part of the team bringing this story to the big screen."

A full-length novel of Gaea: Beyond the Son (written by the Gilsons under their shared pseudonym P. D. Gilson) was quietly released late last year through small press Helios Publishing, and has become a surprise cult hit. Didi Gilson said, “It was always important to us that the novel stood on its own merits.

Wanting to gauge genuine reactions to the story as well as offer those people involved with making the film fuller backgrounds on its characters, we slipped it out in hardback without any marketing or fanfare.” Didi’s writing/producing partner Phil elaborated on the result, “The positive response has been amazing. Word of mouth and upbeat reviews saw the book reach many more readers than expected. We’ve been getting e-mails from fans eager to know how soon the sequel will be out.”

The Gaea Universe will expand its reach into the video game world. Announced this week at the 2008 Leipzig Game Convention, Carrier Command: Gaea Mission is under development for PC and Next Gen Consoles by #1-selling studio Bohemia Interactive (Operation Flashpoint, ArmA: Armed Assault) and currently scheduled for a Spring 2010 release. "The online world is already ablaze with excitement over the announcement in Germany this week," according to Binder. This reinvention of the classic Carrier Command (1998), Carrier Command: Gaea Mission will be set in the Gaea Universe with a scenario written by the Gilsons, drawn from their upcoming second book of the series, Gaea: Sonrise, due for publication in 2009.

Bohemia Interactive CEO, Marek Spanel, is quoted as saying, “The vivid writing and compelling characters help us set this game in a believable universe.” Lagettie adds, “Instead of simply retelling the story, the game offers players an environment where they can seamlessly immerse themselves.”

Commenting on the cooperation between the two entities, Phil Gilson said, “The talent and effort of all the people working on this game is sensational. It’s shaping up to be a landmark title.”

Greentrees Films is currently shepherding the film into financing, distribution, casting, and preproduction immediately, with production commencing in 2009. "The phenomenal interest across the board has been impressive, with serious commitments in place already," according to Binder. Further announcements are expected shortly.

"Gaea: Beyond The Son" expands Greentrees Films’ global reach. Binder, who Produced "Reign Over Me" starring Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle and Liv Tyler in New York & Los Angeles, "The Upside of Anger" starring Kevin Costner and Joan Allen in Michigan and London, with several other features and premium television programs set in both the United Kingdom and U.S.A. Greentrees Films will have Binder Produce recently acquired drama "He Made The Stars Also" written by Heidi Greensmith set on the Cornwall coast of England. Binder, a Detroit, Michigan native, also owns Michigan Film Production (http://www.michiganfilmproduction.com), a company he created to take advantage of the new Michigan Film Incentives and to provide Michigan film production services and resources to the international film production industry shooting in Michigan. Additionally, Binder is Founder and President of Film Budget.com (http://www.filmbudget.com) which provides the global entertainment industry accurate and proven film and television production budgets and shooting schedules and film production tax incentives support.